Carl Carlson

Hard working and thoughtful, Carl L. Carlson was a man of integrity, finding satisfaction in the simple things in life. As a man of faith, he had strong convictions and had also learned to apply the wisdom found in the Bible where people are encouraged to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." (James 1:19) He was a good friend who always had a ready smile, an attentive ear, and sometimes a dry joke to lighten the mood. Carl loved his family and always did what he thought was best for them.

Near the turn of the century in the little town of Northport, Michigan, overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, a Swedish immigrant named Carl "Charlie" Carlson and his wife Christine (Christianson) were raising their family on their area farm. Several other Swedish immigrants had chosen to settle there as well, providing each other with a sense of belonging and security. In late 1913, Carl and Christine learned that they were expecting their fourth child and on July 16 of the following year, little Carl made his arrival. He was soon toddling after his older siblings and eventually helping out with farm chores and watching his younger brother and sister. They made most of their money growing potatoes, but they also raised cattle, chickens, and other vegetables. The family attended the Swedish Covenant Church even though the children didn't understand the language.

Carl attended a one-room schoolhouse, Bass Lake School, and, like many of his peers, was finished with formal schooling when he completed the eighth grade. He and his brother cut firewood to sell in the winter and of course contributed to the work on the farm where Carl had the opportunity to learn about machinery. It was there that he developed a knack for fixing things, even building his brother a sled using cedar logs and making runners from a metal wheel. When they weren't working, the neighborhood kids played together, and Carl got into his share of boyhood mischief. One of their favorite activities was downhill skiing by moonlight.

Soon after Carl finished eighth grade, the stock market crash of 1929 sent the world into an economic tailspin. Carl remained on the farm for a few years, then left for Detroit to look for work. He didn't find anything substantial and returned home. His sister Gladys had followed a similar path, moving to Grand Rapids, and when she came back to Northport for a visit, she brought a friend of hers along, Frances Malmberg. Carl had no idea what wonderful changes that meeting would bring.

Soon after, Carl moved to Grand Rapids as well, finding work on a farm first, then at the furniture company Berkey & Gaye. He and Frances began dating and a number of years later, they exchanged vows on July 17, 1940, at Frances's sisters farm. They honeymooned in northern Michigan and the beautiful Upper Peninsula. The young couple started their family right away, having their first child, Glenn, in 1941. Joyce followed a few years later in 1945. For a time, Carl and Frances lived in a house on Powers, but Carl found a farm on Haisma Avenue, later called Elmridge Avenue, a house that suited them well for nearly fifty years. He and Frances were a solid team, and although he usually held the final word on decisions, he always treated her with love and respect. They raised their children in the Evangelical Covenant Church where Carl served as a deacon and an usher.

Carl loved farming and also supplemented the family's income by finding other work. He enjoyed watching Glenn and Joyce playing near him and when they were old enough he involved them in chores. After about ten years, he eventually gave up farming in place of work where he used his skills as a machinist, keeping the machines running at Werner Machinery Company, Heckman Cookie Company, and Tanewitz Machine Shop. He learned quickly and was able to exercise his ingenuity on the job. He was also involved with the union.

Never one to be idle, Carl stayed busy at home with projects like building his three-stall garage. He turned one stall into a workshop, but eventually expanded it into two stalls. He did extensive remodeling on their home; and if he needed a tool that he didn't have, he could often fashion one in his shop. He developed a love for woodworking and sometimes built his own pieces, but he also liked to refinish and repair antiques.

After retirement, Carl was able to spend more time in his shop working on projects. He and Frances traveled some to visit family, but mostly they were happy to stay home. He enjoyed traveling to his old stomping grounds up north, taking in the small towns on the back roads along the way. He always looked forward to family gatherings and his grandson Derek held a special place in his heart. When great grandchildren arrived, Carl couldn't have been more proud. In Frances' later years, he helped her in her declining years

The family was dealt a harsh blow when Frances suffered a stroke and died shortly after. He missed her immeasurably, but he found strength in his faith and remaining family. He kept working on new projects and volunteered for Radio Bible Class, delivering the monthly devotional "Our Daily Bread" to local businesses and nursing homes. He took friends to their appointments and to church when they were unable to drive.

Around 2002, Carl moved in with his daughter, Joyce. They enjoyed being together and Carl liked making meals for the two of them sometimes as well as going out to eat a couple of times a week. As his health slowed him down, Joyce helped care for him until his hospitalization after a stroke about a week before he died. Carl leaves his friends and loved ones with a wonderful example: that of a man who loved God, loved his family, and led a quiet, fruitful life. He was, quite simply, a good man.

Carl went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 30, 2006. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; siblings, Hilma Appel Nelson, Rudolph Carlson, and Gladys Allen Ahlberg; and his daughter-in-law, Irene Carlson. Carl is survived by his children, Glenn Carlson of Honor, Michigan, and Joyce Carlson of Grand Rapids; his grandson, Derek and Erin Carlson of Lake Ann, Michigan; great grandchildren, Ellie, Peyton, and Spencer Carlson; siblings, Ethel VanderBurg and Oscar and Marian Carlson; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 4, at 1 p.m. at First Evangelical Covenant Church. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel on Tuesday, October 3, from 2-4 and from 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions to First Evangelical Covenant Church are appreciated. Please visit Carl's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite photo or memory, sign the online book, or view his Life Story film.